Left Bank Books Logo

Collectively operated since 1973

Return to Staff Picks


The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games, #1)

by: Suzanne Collins

Publisher: Scholastic Press (2008)

$14.99

Staff Pick by comrade: QW

So maybe you've heard about this book or seen the movie, maybe you haven't. But supposing you're a little curious, here's a few really rad things about this book. The setting: It takes place in a futuristic North America. Only thing is, it's not so futuristic. The district where the main character is from is Appalachia, where there is widespread poverty and coal mining is the only option. Also, a region with an incredible history of resistance that continues to this day. If you've never heard of the Battle of Blair Mountain, look it up. By setting the book in Appalachia, Collins allows the reader a chance to draw parallels to the present that are super important. But besides this the main character is extremely likeable, she's self reliant, loyal, tough, anti-authoritarian and courageous, among other things. Well worth a read.